Published: February 3, 2012
Plans for new takeaway in Burnham-On-Sea opposed by residents

The Town Council has backed a group of residents objecting against contentious plans to turn this newsagent in Burnham-On-Sea into a fish and chip takeaway.

The owners of Avons Newsagents at 50 Oxford Street have submitted a formal application to change the use of the property from an A1 (retail) use to an A5 (takeaway) use.

Supporting documents with the application indicate the proposal is for a fish and chip shop, however it could be for any takeaway use if permission were to be granted. The proposals would see a chimney flue to extract cooking fumes being installed above a flat-roofed extension to the rear of the property.

Three local residents and the Town Council's Planning Applications Committee have raised formal objections against the scheme.

A Town Council spokesman told Burnham-On-Sea.com that road safety is a potential concern: "50 Oxford Street is on the narrowest part of this very busy street, and there is restricted visibility for traffic moving in and out of Dunstan Road. Members are also concerned with possible noise issues in this residential area."

Somerset's Environmental Protection Unit has also stated that any air extraction system used at the property should "not cause annoyance to the neighbourhood to safeguard the occupants of nearby buildings from noise, disturbance and odours."

Three residents have written to Sedgemoor District Council to object, citing a number of concerns including potential parking problems on the double yellow lines and also extra litter, noise and food smells.

However, after considering the application, the County Highways Authority has not raised an objections, stating: "Given its location within Burnham-On-Sea, there is no objection in principle to the proposal from the Highway Authority. It's likely that this proposal would generate a level of foot traffic. Any vehicle movements associated with this proposal would be able to utilise the existing public car park which is located in close proximity to the site."

Sedgemoor District Council's case officer Colin Arnold has recommended the scheme gets approved when it is considered by district councillors on Tuesday.

Mr Arnold states in his recommendation to councillors: "There are no valid grounds on which to refuse this application and it must be supported and encouraged, rather than losing another employment use."

He has proposed that the opening hours be limited to 11am to 10.30pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 4.30pm to 10.30pm on Sundays to help safeguard local residents from noise and disturbance during unsocial hours.